Mr Cowen is planning a rally at the Post Office on Saturday, February 18, where he hopes residents will come with placards and ‘make a bit of noise.’

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, has arranged for councillors to be given a briefing by Post Office representatives on Thursday. Feburary 23.

In a letter to the parish council, the Post Office said it sought a franchise partner to provide the service from the existing building or alternative premises, adding that the majority of the branch network operates from a retail business.